St Regis, Mauritius

Like its big sister in
Manhattan, the brand-new St Regis Mauritius is one classy lady.

Thankfully, pretensions
are few (no one bats an eyelid at our seen-better-days flip-flops)
and its location, on a 900m stretch of beach on the south of the
island, adds a breezy vibe to its refinement.

All of the 172 rooms
have the requisite view (sparkling Indian Ocean), best enjoyed with
a signature La Belle Creole Mary cocktail. Most of the action takes
place around the colonial-style Manor House and there's plenty to
occupy your time away from the beach, from the gigantic spa to the
private screening room.

The resort has six
restaurants - we love the Floating Market (which has tables
surrounded by water dotted with lanterns) - so there's lots of
variety.